"The Chicago City Council today voted 36-10 to ban plastic bags in most stores next year, a change that backers say will improve the city's environment but opponents contend will harm the local economy.

The ban, proposed by Ald. Proco “Joe” Moreno, 1st, was a long time in coming. Moreno’s proposal had been debated for many months, and a similar measure was first proposed seven years ago.

Moreno called the bags “relics of the past,” saying other options like reusable bags were available. “It’s for a new Chicago, a better Chicago,” Moreno said."